Jo Ellen Dale, 94, of Richmond, died Wednesday, May 06, 2020, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living and Memory Care Center, Richmond.

Born on June 4, 1925, in Macon, GA, the daughter of Charles Harold and Patty (Godbey) Cureton.  She was united in marriage to Dick B. Dale, Jr., of Richmond on March 23, 1952; he preceded her in death on April 26, 2002; to this union, two children, Dick B., III, and Charles L. were born.

Jo Ellen leaves behind: son, Charles L. "Chuck" Dale; three grandsons: Matt and wife, Jami, Chris and wife Sylvia, and Jeff Dale; daughter-in-law, Liz Dale; niece, Carol Cureton Roberts; sister-in-law, Ann Dale and her children, Lindy Dale Ireland and husband, Ben Webb, Kent Dale and wife, Julie, Kurt Dale and wife, Delene; and three great-grandchildren: Myers, Devereaux, and Jamison.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Dick B. Dale, III. her only sibling, C.H. Cureton, Jr., and brother-in-law, Earle Dale.

Jo Ellen graduated from Mercer University in Macon in 1946.  She then went on to teach Spanish and French at Mercer for three years.  Jo Ellen was a member of the PSI Gamma Chapter and CHI Omega while at Mercer University.  She then worked on a master's degree at Columbia University, in New York, for three summers; it was then that she traded an MA for a Mrs. and married the love of her life, Dick B. Dale, Jr. of Richmond.  After her marriage, she taught full time or substituted at the Richmond High School from 1952-1997, with only a five-year hiatus in the 50s.

Jo Ellen was an active community member and participated in many clubs and organizations.  She was a 60 year member and past president of P.E.O., a 60 year member and past Regent of D.A.R., a member of Foreign Language Teacher's Association, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Church Women United, Ray County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Parent Teacher's Association, Order of the Eastern Star, and served on the Ray County Library Board.

Jo Ellen's faith history included: memberships at the Methodist Church in Macon, GA, the First Christian Church in Richmond, and United Christian Presbyterian Church in Richmond, where she sang in or directed the choirs from 1952-2010.  She also taught Sunday School in both churches in Richmond and was named Woman of the Year for the Women's Ministry of the United Christian Presbyterian Church.  Jo Ellen was a Cub Scout Den Mother for both sons.  She volunteered at the Richmond Area Chamber of Commerce, the Ray County Memorial Hospital, and for the American Cancer Society.

In 1996, she was selected as First Lady of the Year by Xi Delta Chi and Beta Sigma Phi.  She also sang in the chorus for several Kiwanis Theatre Guild Productions.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the United Christian Presbyterian Church itself, to the United Christian Presbyterian Church Choir and Organ Fund, or to the charity of your choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Private graveside services will be held on Friday, May 15, 2020, in Sunny Slope Cemetery, Richmond.  A celebration of Jo Ellen's life will be held at a later date at the United Christian Presbyterian Church.  Ceremonies entrusted to Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.  Please remember to share your memories of Jo Ellen by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .